The Phillies continue to look for a righthanded bat off their bench. They are interested in Nomar Garciaparra, but he's not sure if he wants to continue his baseball career. Alou would make sense, but Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledged that Alou might be looking for a little more playing time than the Phillies can provide. If the recent past is any indication, this righthanded bat is going to be somebody we see only in pinch-hitting situations. Charlie Manuel likes to play his regulars as often as possible, which means little playing time for his reserves.

The Phillies also are considering free agents Mark Grudzielanek and Rich Aurilia for the reserve role. Team officials also have spoken with the representatives for free agent Kevin Millar.

*

Jayson Werth, on his two-year, $10 million contract extension: "The way I looked at it, I wanted to stay here with these [teammates] and win two more championships. I really like the guys here and I really like the organization. I signed here [before the 2007 season] because I wanted to win. I could have signed with Oakland or Washington or San Diego and played more, but I came here to win and I'm staying to win."

*

Amaro said Carlos Ruiz might skip the World Baseball Classic to be with the Phillies this spring.